FAQ: Current LLM Students

Current LLM Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you will find the answers to many of the common questions that students ask us. The questions are divided into four sections: Practical Matters, General Queries regarding studies, Difficulties with Studies and Assessment and Examination.

Practical Matters

I need to change my contact/personal details. How do I do this?

You can either amend your details via the student portal or you can go to Student Reception at Registry. The Law School cannot update your personal details.

I need a reference. Who can I ask to provide one?

Contact one of your course coordinators or your adviser of studies. It is best practice if you ask the member of staff if they are willing to act as a referee before nominating them, and also inform them what sort of reference you will need. The Administrative Staff are NOT able to provide references.

Where do I go to get a letter to exempt me from Council Tax?

Registry will provide a letter for you to present to the Council.

How can I get a letter confirming that I am a current student?

If you are a current student, the Law School can provide a letter for you. Please give the administrative staff AT LEAST 24 hours notice if you require such a letter. Registry can also provide such a letter.

Where do I obtain a letter confirming that I am close to completing or have completed my studies?

You must apply to Registry for a letter of this nature. The Law School is NOT authorised to write letters of this type.

What are the term dates and when are the holidays?

Check the University’s webpage:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/central/termdates.shtml

Where can I get advice on immigration and visa matters?

Visit the Student Support and Advice office on the ground floor of The Hub to make an appointment to see one of the University’s International Student Advisers

I’m finding it really difficult to settle in. Who can I go to for help and support?

Please contact your Adviser of Studies. There is also a network of support available through the Student Support Services. See the student help guide for contact details.

General queries regarding my studies

Can I register for more than 180 credits?

No. Students may only register for the number of credits designated for a particular degree programme.

Do I have to attend classes?

Yes. Attendance is an essential part of your development as a postgraduate student, and will be closely monitored. You must inform us if you are unable to attend a class for any reason, particularly if you are an international student.

Can I attend classes for courses I am not registered on?

With permission, students may audit extra courses where they have received the specific permission of the Course Coordinator. Considerations such as group numbers, classroom size and teaching format may all have an impact on the decision whether or not to grant such permission.  Auditing is a privilege, not a right, and it is granted entirely at the discretion of the individual Course Coordinator. You will not be registered for nor earn credits for courses you audit.

How do I find out what text book I should buy?

This information will be in individual course handouts. You can check the course handouts before the first class by logging on to MyAberdeen or by asking for the handouts at the Taylor Library, where handouts are available for consultation.

Where do I find out who my Adviser of Studies is?

Check the LLM Noticeboard in Taylor D Corridor, or check the Law – General Programme Information link on MyAberdeen

How can I get course handouts?

Course handouts are available for consultation in the Taylor Library and also on MyAberdeen. You will be given your own copy of handouts for courses on which you are registered at the first classes.

Difficulties with Studies

I am really struggling with my course work. Where can I get help?

Your first step should be to make an appointment to discuss your difficulties with the appropriate course coordinator. If your difficulty is more general, or you do not feel able to approach your course coordinator, then you should speak to your adviser of studies. The University’s Student Learning Service also provides a range of courses designed to help students develop their study skills. For information see www.abdn.ac.uk/sls

What should I do if I am ill?

Let us know as soon as possible. Your course coordinators will then be informed. If you are sick for more than a week you should make sure you get a Doctor’s note. When you are well again, you should see your course coordinator to ensure that you catch up on any work missed.

I have personal circumstances which are affecting my ability to study. What should I do?

If you have personal circumstances which are affecting you, please let us know so that we can help and support you as much as possible. We will deal with any difficulties that you discuss with us in confidence and with sensitivity. You should speak to your adviser of studies initially, and you should also make sure that your course coordinators are aware of any personal circumstances that are affecting your studies. You can also speak to the Graduate Programmes Coordinator if you wish. If you do not tell us about such problems, we will not be able to help you and the problem will only get worse.

How do I apply for an extension for the submission of assessed coursework?

You must apply formally for extensions for submissions of coursework. Course coordinators are not authorised to give verbal or informal extensions. Please complete the Extension Request Form which is available on MyAberdeen or from the Law School Reception. Extensions will only be granted in very exceptional circumstances such as illness. Computer or printer failures are NOT acceptable reasons for seeking an extension. You should take steps to ensure that your work is adequately backed-up.

Assessment and Examination

What grading scheme does the University use?

The University uses a Common Assessments Scale of marks from 0 -20. The basic pass mark is 9. For further information see page 10 of the LLM Programme Handbook, and the LLM Handbook Appendices 2 and 5.

Can I get feedback on marks?

Yes. If you do not receive written feedback when your essay is returned, simply request an appointment with your course coordinator. Students should note, however, that ALL marks are provisional until confirmed by the external examiner at the end of the course.

How do I apply for an extension for the submission of assessed coursework?

You must apply formally for extensions for submissions of coursework. Course coordinators are not authorised to give verbal or informal extensions. Please complete the Extension Request Form which is available on MyAberdeen or from the Law School Reception. Extensions will only be granted in very exceptional circumstances, such as illness. Computer or printer failures are NOT acceptable reasons for seeking an extension. You should take steps to ensure that your work is adequately backed-up.

What happens if I fail a course?

If you do not pass an exam, you will be able to take a re-sit. If you fail because you missed an exam through illness or other good cause then the re-sit is treated as a first attempt and the mark will not be capped. If you fail at the first attempt (obtain a mark at CAS 8 or below) or simply do not attend the first sitting of an exam, then the mark for the re-sit will be capped at CAS 9. Students may only re-sit one course per semester.

When are the exams?

There are three periods of exams during the year: January, May-June, and August (re-sits only). You MUST be available for all exam diets. Exam dates are set centrally and cannot be changed. Further information on the specific exam diets is in the LLM programme handbook on page 11.

What happens if I am ill during the exams?

If you are ill during the exam period, you will have to submit a Medical Certificate to Registry within 7 days of the date of the exam. You will then be entitled to take a re-sit at the next diet of exams (see page 11 of the LLM Handbook for exam diet dates). If you sit the exam but are ill and feel that your performance will have been affected, you must also submit a Medical Certificate to Registry within 7 days of the date of the exam so that this information can be taken into consideration by the examiners.

How do I access past exam papers?

The library has an online exam database. Go to:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/examdb/